An illuminated retractable strap

Abstract

An illuminated retractable strap assembly includes a rotatable strap spool, a strap structure having a first end fixed to the strap spool and a second end having a connector. The assembly includes a retraction mechanism for retracting the strap structure, the strap structure includes one or more elongated optical fibers for transmitting light between a first and a second end of the fibers and an outer covering allowing at least part of the light originating from the one or more elongated optical fibers to be transmitted through, a light source arranged in connection to the first end or to the second end of the fibers, and a power source.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . An illuminated retractable strap assembly, the assembly comprising a rotatable strap spool, a strap structure comprising a first end fixed to the strap spool and a second end comprising a connector, wherein the assembly comprises:
 retraction mechanism for retracting the strap structure around the strap spool,   the strap structure comprises one or more elongated optical fibers for transmitting light between a first and a second end of the one or more elongated optical fibers and an outer covering,   the outer covering allowing at least part of the light originating from the one or more elongated optical fibers to be transmitted through,   a light source arranged in connection to the first end or to the second end of the fibers, and   a power source electrically connected to the light source.   
     
     
         17 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the strap structure comprises elongated flexible strengthening fibers, and   the elongated flexible strengthening fibers are arranged to surround the one or more elongated optical fibers, or   the elongated flexible strengthening fibers and the one or more elongated optical fibers are arranged to form a bundle.   
     
     
         18 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 a reflector arranged in connection to the first or the second end of the one or more elongated optical fibers where the other of the first and the second ends comprises the light source, or   the first end or the second end of the one or more elongated optical fibers comprises a reflecting layer where the other of the first end and the second ends comprises the light source.   
     
     
         19 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the light source comprises a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.   
     
     
         20 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein:
 a material of one or more elongated flexible strengthening fibers comprises polyethylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or   the elongated flexible strengthening fiber stretches less in the length direction than the one or more elongated optical fibers.   
     
     
         21 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the outer covering is transparent, translucent and/or comprises a braided structure.   
     
     
         22 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 the power source comprises a rechargeable power source,   the rechargeable power source comprises a charging port, and   electronics for charging.   
     
     
         23 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 22 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 a dynamo arranged in connection to the rotatable strap spool for charging the rechargeable power source.   
     
     
         24 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 the strap structure has a round cross-section, or   the strap structure has a flat rectangular cross-section, or   the strap structure has an elliptical cross-section, or   the strap structure has a polygonal cross-section.   
     
     
         25 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 a housing comprising a grip portion and a support portion for the strap spool,   the strap spool is positioned within the support portion and the strap spool is rotatably supported on the support portion,   the support portion comprises a strap opening.   
     
     
         26 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 25 , wherein:
 the strap opening is widening outwards from the support portion, and/or   the strap opening comprises a flexible sleeve part attached to the strap opening and extending outwards from the support portion,   for protecting the strap structure from wear caused by an outer edge of the strap opening.   
     
     
         27 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 25 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 a button operated stop mechanism for stopping a rotation of the strap spool, and   the button provided on the outer surface of the housing.   
     
     
         28 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the light source is arranged in connection to the first end of the one or more elongated optical fibers,   the strap spool comprises a mounting surface for the light source, the power source, and electronics for controlling the light source,   the mounting surface is mounted to the center of the strap spool and is rotating together with the strap spool.   
     
     
         29 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 an automatic twilight switch for turning on and turning off the light source, and/or   an automatic motion sensor for detecting an unwinding and a retraction of the strap structure where the unwinding is turning on and the retraction is turning off the light source.   
     
     
         30 . The illuminated retractable strap assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the assembly comprises:
 two or more rotatable strap spools,   the housing is providing support for the two or more separate strap spools,   the two or more strap spools are positioned parallel or are arranged in a stack within the housing, and   the housing comprises two or more strap openings.